Would Adam Johnson benefit from leaving Manchester City?

Recent reports in the media suggest that Manchester City winger Adam Johnson could be leaving Eastlands this summer.

The 24 year-old’s appearances for City were restricted last season, due to the strength of City’s squad.

Talented

The England winger is talented and should really be playing regular first team football. Last season was a waste of his talent with Johnson sitting on the bench for much of the campaign. Next season could be the same.

If Johnson doesn’t get regular first team football next season then his career could just stagnate. It would be a shame for him not to fulfil the immense potential he has.

Move

In the last week or so he has been linked with loan moves to Everton and Sunderland. He is even being linked with a move to Chelsea. For the sake of his career a loan move wouldn’t be the worse move he could make. A season of regular first team football would really help his development.

He is a good player but isn’t quite the complete player just yet. He has to play more games in the top flight to be become a better player. At City he is only going to get the occasion appearance, rather playing week-in and week-out.

Options

One of the clubs mentioned Everton are in desperate need of fresh faces. The Toffee’s have no money to spend though, so Adam Johnson could prove to be a really good loan signing. Everton boss David Moyes apparently feels he needs a new left winger and Johnson would fit the bill perfectly.

The only drawback would probably be Johnson’s wage demands. Everton have a very strict wage budget and Johnson is on quite big wages.

Everton would be a good option for Johnson though. He probably wouldn’t have to move house and Everton are likely to be looking to challenge for the European places next season.

Sunderland are another side believed to be interested in signing the England international. Johnson was born in Sunderland, so a move to Mackems could prove an interesting one for Johnson. Sunderland also have high hopes for next season and have made a number of signings this summer.

England

A move elsewhere would certainly benefit Johnson’s international career with England. He has made just six appearances for the Three Lions so far but has scored twice.

His lack of first team football last season also cost him a place at last years World Cup finals in South Africa. Although after England’s awful tournament he was probably quite relieved to have been left out of the squad.

If he was given the chance to play regularly I believe he would be a very good asset for England boss Fabio Capello. England aren’t exactly blessed with an abundance of talented left-sided players and Johnson has already shown he can be a potent weapon down the left-flank.

Future

Next season will be pivotal in the career of Adam Johnson. Whether it be at Manchester City or elsewhere he must start getting more time on the pitch. He has potential to do so much more with his career.

Currently his talent and potential is being wasted. It would be a shame to see such talent wasted and not utilised to it’s maximum potential. Unfortunately this sort of situation has became almost common case at Manchester City in recent seasons, due to City’s enormous spending power.

At least if Johnson does move on this summer another team will benefit from his ability in the coming season. Manchester City’s loss could very well be somebody else’s gain.

Will Adam Johnson leave Manchester City this summer?